Supreme Court and Appellate Associate - Patent Appeals and Intellectual Property

Job Overview
A law firm seeks a Supreme Court and Appellate Associate specializing in patent appeals and intellectual property for their Sacramento, CA office. The ideal candidate will engage with complex technical subject matter across high-tech and life-sciences industries, contributing to a nationally recognized appellate practice.

Duties

• Focus on Federal Circuit patent appeals and IP cases in high-tech and life-sciences sectors.
• Draft appellate briefs, petitions for certiorari, and amicus briefs.
• Conduct sophisticated legal research and analysis on patent-law and IP issues.
• Assist in developing appellate strategy and identifying key legal arguments.
• Collaborate with trial teams to preserve appellate issues and develop records for appeal.
• Prepare for and participate in moot courts and oral argument preparation.
• Advise clients on appellate procedure, potential outcomes, and strategic considerations.
• Engage deeply with technical subject matter.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Admission to at least one state bar; Federal Circuit admission preferred.
• 2-7 years of experience in appellate litigation, focusing on patent and IP appeals.
• Prior clerkship experience, especially with the Federal Circuit or a district court with a significant patent docket.
• Demonstrated experience drafting appellate briefs and substantive motions in patent or IP matters.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Commitment to the highest standards of professional excellence.
• Experience with life-sciences patent matters ideal but not required.

Education

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Admission to at least one state bar; Federal Circuit admission preferred.

Skills

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to distill complex technical and legal issues into clear, persuasive arguments.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Effective communication with clients and colleagues.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Mental well-being programs.
• Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits.
• Short- and long-term disability and parental leave benefits.
• Health savings account contributions and flexible spending accounts.
• 401K program.
• Compensated time off through Flexible Time Off program and paid holidays.

This preeminent California firm offers a full-service practice which covers a number of areas, including: Litigation, Corporate, Tax, Environmental, Labor & Employment, and Real Estate. The Sacto office has strong litigation, IP, government, securities, finance, and antitrust practices. Many of the firm's top clients are investment banks, but, in recent years, the firm has expanded its intellectual property litigation practice. The atmosphere is collegial, but slightly more conservative than most Bay Area firms. Salaries are in line with other top Bay Area firms, and the firm provides a $10,000 bonus for all lawyers who bill at least 1,950 hours, with additional money based on three separate billable hour levels above 1,950.